About Marrakech
Trailing behind just Casablanca, Fez and Tangier, Marrakech is the fourth-largest city in Morocco Africa. Its famous red walls protect a city with an unusual history. After Morocco’s independence from France in the latter half of the 20th century, the city became known as a hippie mecca that attracted western musicians, artists, film directors, actors, models and fashion divas. It’s no wonder Marrakech has become a gateway to eastern culture. Marrakech is home to aged artisan architecture with eye-catching tilework, such as in the Bahia Palace or the Dar Is Said, and pulsating souks like the Midina or Jemaa el-Fnaa. With an abundance of beauty, it’s easy to get lost among the plethora of shops and street performers. Due to the rich variety of culture in the “Red City,” there is an equally rich variety of hotels Marrakech. Because of the wide number of beautifully built and decorated hotels Marrakech, it’s quite easy to find cheap Marrakech hotels. Visitors will find it a challenge to be bored while both looking for cheap Marrakech hotels and the exotic designs and amenities they offer. All hotels Marrakech are as beautiful as the many creative monuments scattered throughout the city.
When needing an escape from that sort of exotic bustle, travellers can visit one of the many breath-taking gardens just outside the city. Lying north of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech finds itself in an unlikely climate for an African city. Located in Western Morocco, Marrakech has weather that’s common for the coast, yet with less rain—perfect for a spring or summer holiday.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
With over 400 Marrakech hotels spread through the city, the tourist culture is noticeably welcoming. Hotels in Marrakech Morocco average anywhere from under €17 to €175 a night. Most of these Marrakech hotels have pools, luxurious restaurants and free breakfast. Hotels Marrakech make it a point to have well designed and attractive buildings with tiled fountains and painted murals. Visitors can easily find a high-class experience without breaking the bank.
Hostels in Marrakech are the city’s cheapest option. One of the most popular is Dream Kasbah, located right by the El Badii Palace in the centre of town. Hostels in Marrakech not only provide cheap housing for their temporary residents, but offer a locally sourced dinner, a spa, quad and camel rides, and cooking classes.
For those who prefer their own room, there are many cheap hotels in Marrakech. Some of the best hotels in Marrakech Morocco run around €50 and feature immaculate landscapes, architecture and stand-out amenities on top of the area’s standard for pools and free breakfast. Hotel Du Golf is a golf-themed hotel that has a golf course, runs a kids’ program and offers package deals for families via their website. Al Fassia Aguadal is an affordable “luxury boutique” hotel that offers traditional body and facial treatment with free wi-fi. The Riad Marrakech hotels are a chain with locations throughout the centre of the city and the outskirts as well. Each Riad features red clay buildings matching the feel of the city as well as elaborate pools and relaxing sitting areas. Some offer features similar to a hostel, such as rooms with 14 beds, while others have the area’s standard amenities.
Of course, for those looking to experience the best of the city, a heftier fee will pay for a night in one of the best hotels in Marrakech: La Mamounia. The “grand dame” of Marrakech hotels faces the Atlas Mountains and has played host to a number of historically and creatively significant figures by the likes of Winston Churchill, Prince Charles of Whales and Mick Jagger. Built in 1925, La Mamounia has a vegetable garden, art exhibitions, and a “romantic escapade” option. It is considered the most eminent of the hotels in Marrakech. Across the board, visitors will discover that the hotels Marrakech widely reflect the city’s diverse and artistic background.
Things to Do in Marrakech
Marrakech’s points of interest, historically speaking, are incredibly diverse. From their grand palaces and Muslim mosques to their famous tombs and museums, Marrakech attractions invite visitors into the city’s wild history. The El Badi Palace, which flanks the eastern side of the Kasbah, was built by the Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur after his victory against the Portuguese at the Battle of the Three Kings. The palace is mostly in ruins nowadays, but it has become the location of the annual Marrakech Folklore Festival. The Marrakech Museum, housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, is located in the old city centre. The Marrakech attraction itself represents classical Andalusian architecture and holds modern and traditional Moroccan exhibits.
There are more things to see in Marrakech than just the expansive amount of art and landmarks. What to do in Marrakech if you want to see an event? Due to its fame for performance and celebration, seeing a show at the Theatre Royal de Marrakesh, strolling amongst craft shops, or attending one of the many art festivals add to the list of the many things to do in Marrakech Morocco. The Theatre Royal puts on comedy, opera and dance performances in both French and Arabic. A very flamboyant city, visitors can find an even greater number of theatrical performances outdoors on the streets. Moroccan handicrafts can be found sold by vendors in shops and on the streets. These crafts range from carpets and textiles, ceramics, woodwork and metal work. The international folklore festival, Marrakech Folklore Days, takes place in the Spring and celebrates the history of folk dancing.
Marrakech Dining
In a city like this, it is important not to only ask about what there is to do in Marrakech, but it is also important to ask what there is to eat! The city is surrounded my lemon, orange and olive groves making for a Mediterranean spread of culinary discovery. Dishes are heavily spiced, but not necessarily hot. A specialty of the city representing the heart of Marrakech cuisine is tanjia marrakshia. This dish can be commonly found at restaurants prepared with beef and spices that are slow-cooked in a traditional oven with hot ashes. Moroccan tea culture is a Marrakech point of interest that takes up importance. The most common representation of this is green tea with mint served into small glasses. Barometre Marrakech is a top-rated restaurant where tourists can find a full blend of these Moroccan cultural food and drink. Yet, most of the restaurants in the city centre are all highly rated.
Marrakech Shopping
Wondering what to do in Marrakech aside from the arts? Shopping is an incredibly popular thing to do in Marrakech. Marrakech is home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco. Additionally, souks are well known to be more than just Marrakech points of interest—they are woven into the very image of the city. Souks are a series of old city alleyways comprised of stalls and shops ranging from small kiosks to structures that visitors could spend hours in. Haggling is a common practice and challenge for visitors who seek the fullest experience in this Marrakech attraction. The Ensemble Artisinal is another unique place to shop. Run by the government, they sell crafts made by young apprentices who train in the back of the complex.
Nightlife in Marrakech
The Marrakech nightlife is simply an extension of the arts and shopping experience. Marrakech is a city that seems to never sleep! There are several Marrakech points of interest even at night. Interestingly, there are Moroccan laws that prohibit the selling of alcohol in sight of a mosque, which might as well be anywhere. Thus, the Marrakech nightlife has an exciting speakeasy feel. Bars, local clubs and poolside parties come to life. It wouldn’t be a strange sight to notice belly dancers appearing late into the evening. Le Palace is just one of the many cocktail bars reminiscent of a 1920’s hangout. The La Mamounia houses the Churchill Bar, which is another popular drinking den with red velvet sofas, leopard print chairs and leather walls. At night, the party scene showcases a contrasting cultural dynamic in comparison to the things to do in Marrakech Morocco during the day.